Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A73 5G
Galaxy A73 5G
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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$539.00

Versus A$1,953.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, represent different segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, they cater to distinct user expectations. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more advanced experience with a focus on raw performance, premium build quality, and enhanced camera capabilities, whereas the Galaxy A73 5G provides a balanced feature set for everyday use.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G launched with Android 12 and is promised four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately 2027. The newer Galaxy S23 Plus, released with Android 13, benefits from a similar policy, ensuring software updates for a year longer, likely until 2028.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S23 Plus elevates this with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating, offering enhanced protection against dust and water, allowing for immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability Aspects: The Galaxy A73 5G has a reported repairability score of 6.5 out of 10, with the battery and screen being relatively accessible, though strong adhesives can complicate repairs. While a specific repairability score for the S23 Plus was not found, its premium construction generally implies a more intricate repair process compared to mid-range devices.

Release year

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily interactions, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers smooth performance for general use and can handle demanding games without significant issues, though it is not considered a top-tier chipset. The Galaxy S23 Plus, on the other hand, features a current-generation processor specifically optimized for Samsung devices, providing exceptionally fast and fluid performance across all tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy A73 5G generally report a responsive experience, with the 120Hz display contributing to the perception of smoothness during navigation and app usage. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more robust multitasking experience due to its more powerful internal components, ensuring applications load quickly and run without hesitation, even with multiple apps open simultaneously.
  • Storage and Memory: The Galaxy A73 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers 8GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, utilizing faster storage technology, but it does not include a microSD card slot for expansion.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and good clarity. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a slightly smaller 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), known for its stunning visuals, excellent contrast, and vivid color reproduction.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy A73 5G's display reaches a peak brightness of 800 nits, which allows for readability in daylight conditions, though users might need to maximize brightness in direct sunlight. The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring exceptional visibility and clarity even in bright outdoor environments.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S23 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 48Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption based on content, while the A73 5G's 120Hz is generally fixed or less adaptive.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED Plus

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many users, and both smartphones provide distinct photographic and videographic experiences.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a quad-camera setup, featuring a 108MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The A73 5G captures detailed and color-accurate photos in good lighting, with its 108MP main sensor performing well. Its low-light performance is decent with a dedicated night mode. The S23 Plus excels in various lighting conditions, producing sharp, detailed, and vibrant images, with users praising its improved low-light capabilities and zoom performance.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones can record 4K video at 30 frames per second. The A73 5G's 4K video is stable, and it offers a 32MP front camera capable of 4K@30fps. The S23 Plus can record up to 8K video at 30 frames per second and features a 12MP front camera, which also delivers good quality selfies.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A73 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, along with a USB-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, alongside a faster USB-C 3.2 port.
  • Biometrics and Audio: Both smartphones feature in-display fingerprint sensors. The A73 5G uses an optical sensor, which is generally fast and accurate. The S23 Plus employs an ultrasonic sensor, often considered more secure and reliable. Both devices include stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
  • Design and Build: The Galaxy A73 5G weighs 181g and has a thickness of 7.6mm, featuring a plastic back and sides. The Galaxy S23 Plus is slightly heavier at 196g and maintains a similar thickness of 7.6mm, but it boasts a more premium construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, and an Armor Aluminum frame.

Weight

181 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S23 Plus cater to different user needs, each offering a compelling set of features. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A73 5G for its large, vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display, capable main camera, and the inclusion of expandable storage, which is a valued feature for many. Its long-term software support is also a significant advantage for those seeking an eco-friendly alternative. Some users note its plastic build as a minor drawback and the absence of optical zoom as a limitation for advanced photography.

The Galaxy S23 Plus receives high marks for its exceptional performance, driven by its powerful processor, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience across all applications. Its premium design, brighter Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and versatile camera system with optical zoom are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Users appreciate its robust build quality and extended software longevity. While its camera system is highly capable, some advanced users might find it less feature-rich than the Ultra model.

For users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display, solid everyday performance, and the flexibility of expandable storage, the Galaxy A73 5G presents a well-rounded option. It is particularly suitable for those who value a quality-assured refurbished option that offers excellent value for its feature set. Conversely, the Galaxy S23 Plus is better suited for users who demand top-tier performance, a more premium and durable build, superior display brightness for outdoor use, and a more advanced camera system with optical zoom for diverse photographic needs. The decision ultimately depends on whether a user prioritizes raw power and premium features or a balanced, feature-rich experience with expandable storage.

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